The Conga-TS87 was introduced with support for only one processor: the quad-core Intel Core i7-4700EQ. Now, in conjunction with announcing the smaller “Compact” sized (3.74 x 3.74-inch) Conga-TC87 COM Express module, Congatec has expanded the Conga-TS87’s processor options to include four dual-core processors, including Core i5 and i3 models such as the Core i3-4100E (25W TDP).

Architecturally, the new Conga-TC87 differs from the -TS87 in that it is designed with Intel’s embedded-oriented 4th-Generation processors chips, which employ single-component (processor+chipset) Haswell models instead of the standard dual-component parts used on the Conga-TS87, as seen in the two modules’ photos and block diagrams.

Conga-TC87 and -TS87 block diagrams
(click images to enlarge)

Whereas the processors supported by the Conga-TS87 range in TDP (Thermal Design Power) from 25 to 47 Watts, using Intel’s optimized Scenario Design Power (SDP) metrics, the -TC87 supports three dual-core, 15 Watt processors the Core i7-465OU, i5-4300U, and i3-4010U.

In addition to having lower TDPs, the Conga-TC87’s processors also offer less advanced Intel HD Graphics. The Conga-TS87’s processors are the only ones to provide advanced video support including MPEG-2 decoding, and support for WMV9 (VC-1), H.264 (AVC) and 40 MBit/s Blu-ray.

Both the Conga-TS87 and -TC87 support up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM. They offer a gigabit Ethernet controller, and support for either seven (TS87) or four (TC87) PCI Express (PCIe) interfaces. Other I/O available via the COM Express Type 6 interface includes four SATA ports, and unlike most Haswell-based COM Express modules, dual ExpressCard interfaces. Additional I/O includes LPC, I2C, eight USB 2.0 ports, and either four (TS87) or two (TC87) USB 3.0 ports.

The two modules also differ on their display support. The Conga-TS87 provides a CRT interface, a PEG (PCI Express Graphics) interface for driving an external high performance graphics controller, and three DisplayPorts. In contrast, the Conga-TC87 lacks CRT and PEG support, but offers an LVDS interface, and also supplies three ports that can either be configured as DisplayPort or HDMI.

Both the Conga-TC87 and -TS87 COMs will be available in the fourth quarter for around $700 each at quantity one, or around $600 in (unspecified) OEM volumes, says Congatec. More information may be found at the Conga-TC87 and Conga-TS87 product pages, respectively.